Stockport Metro swimmers need to raise money for a high-altitude camp in South Africa ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics
Businesses are being urged to get behind Stockport’s Olympic swimming hopefuls.
Swimmers from Stockport Metro have to raise a minimum of £2,400 before the new year for a vital altitude training camp in South Africa prepare for the Rio Olympics..
And in return for sponsorship, the swim stars of the future are offering exclusive treats to their supporters including personalised tuition from a member of the Stockport Metro Performance Squad, messages on social media or letters from swimmers, signed swimming caps or T-shirts, a year of adverts in the event programmes and entry to a select raffle.
Olympic bronze medallist, BBC commentator and former Stockport Metro swimmer Steve Parry said: “These training camps made such a difference to my performance.
“Please contribute whatever you can. Make a donation instead of buying Christmas cards this year or even buy one of the superb sponsor treats as a present.”
The team, based at Grand Central pool, includes five-time world championship finalist Lauren Quigley from Heaton Moor.
She, along with other highly ranked swimmers such as European junior champion and world junior medallist Holly Hibbott and double world junior medallist Katie Matts, are hoping to attend a four-week camp in Pretoria in March.
The squad will also include national champions Lucy McKenzie, Grant Quigley, Ciaran Beard Jones, and Emma Gage, who has broken the world masters record since returning to the pool this year after a decade away.
Stockport Metro’s performance coach Sean Kelly said: “Altitude training is a crucial part of our preparation for the Olympics and is something we wish to continue.
“Training away from day-to-day distractions is important, maximising recovery, quality coaching, and a chance to develop confidence and crucial team spirit.”
All the top Metro swimmers – including Steve Parry, Olympic silver medal winner Keri-Anne Payne and bronze medallist Graeme Smith – attended altitude training camps in the build-up to their Games success.
To sponsor our local swimmers for as little as £1 please go to www.sponsorise.me/en/project-stockport-metro.
Holly Hibbott, Katie Matts and Lauren Quigley at Grand Central Pool